ABSTRACT

A basic knowledge of the definition, terminology, components of prostheses and complications of amputations is essential for the orthopaedic surgeon. This chapter concerns exoprostheses, e.g. artificial arms and legs, but not endoprostheses, e.g. joint replacements. A prosthesis is a device or artificial substitute designed to replace, as much as possible, the function or appearance of a missing limb or body part. The aim of prosthetic rehabilitation is to enable the patient to achieve maximum functional independence with the prosthesis, taking into account the patient's pre-morbid abilities, lifestyle and expectations. Upper-extremity amputations are generally more common in the young male population secondary to trauma, while lower-extremity amputations are more common in an older population secondary to medical disease. The timing of prosthetic fitting is highly dependent on the condition of the wound and the shape of the residium, as it is not possible to fit an oedematous bulbous residium. Myoelectric prostheses were hoped to revolutionize prosthetics for patients with missing hands.